Graduate Q&A: Holly Mathias

Holly Mathias, PhD, School of Public Health, and Dean's Gold Medal award recipient.

What drew you to this area of study?

I had a long and winding road to public health. I always knew that I wanted to be in a field where I could help others, contribute to issues of social justice and draw on my skills as a critical thinker and persuasive communicator. Growing up in rural Nova Scotia, I had never heard of public health, nor did I know of anyone who had attended graduate school. I am the first person in my family to attend graduate school, and I never could have anticipated completing a PhD. Through the support and encouragement of dedicated teachers and mentors from high school to undergraduate studies at Queen's and then Master's studies at Dalhousie, I found my calling in public health.

I became interested in my particular field of study (caregiving and substance use) based on a combination of personal and professional experiences. Prior to beginning PhD studies, I was a research coordinator on a CIHR-funded community-based research study that involved families of people who use drugs. I learned so much about the important work of families through this research. At the same time, I was caring for my dad who had some health issues. I started to become curious about why the families I was working with weren't also viewed as caregivers. This curiosity inspired my doctoral research on the experiences of family caregivers of people who use drugs in rural communities.

What achievement, accomplishment or moment are you most proud of from your time in the program?

I am particularly proud of the personal goals I have achieved over the past four years. I moved to Alberta with hopes of expanding my network, meeting new people and widening my understanding of public health. I completed my PhD knowing that I have grown so much as a scholar and a person. I have met so many incredible colleagues and friends along this journey who have shaped me and have motivated me to be the best version of myself.

I am also very proud to have received the Dean's Gold Medal award. Receiving this distinction at the culmination of my studies validates for me that the work I do matters. Families and care matter. I also share this accomplishment with my supervisor, supervisory committee and research partners — all of whom were critical each step of the way in my doctoral studies.

How did you stay motivated when things got tough?

I am a community-based researcher, which means I work very closely with families and people who use drugs. Their tenacity, resilience, candour and encouragement powered this research. Staying accountable to those communities and drawing from their wisdom helped me through tough moments.

What did you learn about yourself during your time at the U of A?

I learned that I can do hard things without them hardening me. I had to navigate some very personally challenging moments throughout my PhD, including the sudden loss of a parent. I learned that I can process hard moments while staying kind, empathetic and caring. Walking this journey has made me more “human” as a researcher, mentor and colleague.

What's next for you in your career and/or academic journey? What do you hope to accomplish?

Although my time at SPH has come to an end, I am excited to still be a member of the U of A community! Recently, I was appointed as Assistant Professor of Family Science in the Department of Human Ecology (Faculty of ALES), where I am continuing my program of research on families, care and emerging health and social issues. I am excited to continue conducting community-based research with the communities I care deeply about, while staying connected with collaborators at SPH. In this new chapter of my career, I am also excited about mentoring the next generation of community-minded scholars and paying forward the support that many mentors have provided me over the years.